How to Join the Virtual Queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

In 2019 Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This incredible land has so many experiences, including two new rides; Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, where guests can become a part of special galactic missions in a galaxy far, far away.

Grab your lightsaber for the Rise of the Resistance attraction, which is one of the most technologically advanced rides that Disney has ever created, utilising four different ride systems! It’s a thrilling, first-of-its-kind adventure where guests can join the Resistance in an unforgettable battle against the First Order. To manage demand for this exciting new ride, Disney World introduced a virtual queue system, featuring Boarding Groups. Read on, to learn how this new system works and how to join the virtual queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.†

The Virtual Queue for Rise of the Resistance

Queuing for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is unlike any other Disney ride; there is no regular standby line, which means you can’t just turn up at the attraction. The idea of the new virtual queue system is to keep crowds under control and give guests a much better queuing experience, as well as more time to experience other areas of Hollywood Studios.

The virtual queue is the only way of accessing the Rise of the Resistance ride. Guests can join through the My Disney Experience app, where they will be given a boarding group number and are notified when it’s their turn to ride.

Joining a Boarding Group for Rise of the Resistance

All guests have the chance to join a boarding group through the My Disney Experience app and can make a reservation from 7am on the day of their visit. This can be done anywhere, so you can join the virtual queue from your villa!

If you don’t get a reservation at 7am, there is a second chance to reserve a boarding group from 1pm. Guests must be inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios to access this second virtual queue opportunity.

Please note: Only guests with a Disney Park Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be able to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Guests visiting from another theme park will not be able to request to join the virtual queue.†

Be sure to have linked all of your group’s park tickets within the My Disney Experience app before you try to reserve a boarding group, so that you can then join the ride all together. When making a reservation, it’s best to select one member of your party to access the virtual queue for everyone in your group, as multiple people trying to join may complicate your ability to secure a boarding group.

Tip: Set alarms for 6:55am and 12:55pm, to remind you to be ready to try and join the virtual queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

What Happens Once I’ve Joined a Boarding Group?

If you are successful in joining a boarding group, you will be given a boarding group number and an estimated time to arrive at the ride. This time will be updated throughout the day, depending on how quickly the ride can accommodate the boarding groups before you.

Make sure you have push notifications enabled on your My Disney Experience app, so you receive important updates about the virtual queue. When your group is ready you will receive a notification and you will have an hour from the time of the alert to go to the entrance of the Rise of the Resistance ride. Display screens around Hollywood Studios, will also give you updated information about the boarding groups.

Please note: Joining a boarding group through the app does not guarantee that you'll be able to ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. It all depends on how quickly the boarding groups prior to yours experience the ride. Sometimes rides break down as well, which will add more time to your virtual waiting time.

Entering the Rise of the Resistance Queue Line

Have your park tickets at the ready for when you arrive at the ride entrance, so that the cast members can scan them for you. It may take around 30 minutes to reach the pre-show, however there is so much to experience in the queue line keeping guests entertained whilst they wait.

Can We Ride Rise of the Resistance More Than Once Per Day?

This currently isn’t available, as the My Disney Experience app will only allow guests to join a boarding group once per day.

What Happens If I Have a DAS Card?

If you have a Disability Access Service Card, you will still need to secure a spot in a boarding group first. Once your boarding group has been called, you’ll show your DAS Card to the cast members at the entrance of the ride, who will direct you to a different line.

This is the same if you wish to use the Rider Switch service, which is available for this ride.

What Happens If I Have a Dining Reservation at the Same Time the Boarding Group is Called?

If you find that your ride return time may overlap with a dining or experience reservation, find a Guest Relations member (generally under blue umbrellas) and they’ll be able to help.

We hope this gives you a better understanding of the virtual queue system for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, so you can be ahead of the game with how it all works and are more likely to be successful with joining a boarding group.

For an ultimate out-of-this-world stay, why not look into booking an Orlando villa with a Star Wars bedroom or games room. We have lots of villas close to Disney World, so you are sure to find the perfect accommodation for your holiday in Florida.

† This virtual queue system is subject to change and has been modified a few times since the park reopened, so be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for the most up to date information.

Image credits:

• Rise of the Resistance entrance: flickr elisfkc
• All other images: Brian McGowan